VOLAC Volac Wilmar market a range of products containing rumen-protected protein targeted to improve the efficiency of milk production. The range of supplements includes:


Mega-Pro – a combination of rumen-protected fat for energy


and rumen-bypass protein, uniquely balanced according to research recommendations. Megalac Plus – offers all the benefits of standard Megalac protected fat, plus a source of protected methionine targeted to


improve milk yield, fertility and milk composition. Methionine is one of the first limiting amino acids required for milk production and has an essential role in the processing of fat by the liver. Megalac is the most highly proven fat supplement on the market and is a key ingredient in formulating balanced rations. Mega-Flax – contains rumen bypass protein in combination with rumen-protected fat and a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids from linseed, targeted to specifically increase fertility along with milk production. Mega-Flax is an energy-dense product containing rumen- bypass protein to help balance the additional energy. Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients Ltd, Fishers Lane, Orwell, Royston, Herts. SG8 5QX Tel: 01223 208021 Email: enquiries@volacwilmar.com Website: www.megalac.com Twitter @MegalacUK Facebook @MegalacUK


FATTY ACIDS YIELD BENEFITS IN EARLY LACTATION DAIRY COWS


New research from Michigan State University, USA, demonstrates significant improvements in cow productivity with specific fatty acid supplementation through early lactation. The concept of feeding fat in dairy rations is nothing new – the


energy-dense nutrient is hugely beneficial to meeting increased nutritional requirements as cows simultaneously produce milk while maintaining body condition ahead of breeding. Something that is new however is the developing science which


continues to improve our knowledge on the roles of different fatty acids, the building blocks of fat, on animal performance. According to Dr Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager


for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, research findings present dairy producers with opportunities to target specific fatty acid blends according to requirements on individual farms. “Data indicate key roles for palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) fatty


acids at different stages of lactation and depending on requirements at farm level,” says Dr Kirkland. “C16:0 is very beneficial in improving milk fat production and


yield, but it is now clear that this may be at the expense of body condition and weight loss in early lactation, the knock-on effects of which may include poor fertility. In contrast, delivering C18:1 to the small intestine, achieved by


supplementing with rumen-protected calcium salts, improves total fat digestibility and can enhance fertility through improved egg and embryo development. Unlike C16:0, C18:1 helps partition nutrients


toward body fat stores, reducing body condition loss in the critical early lactation period.”


The importance of C16:0 to C18:1 ratio In a recent study presented at the American Dairy Science Conference in June 2020, Professor Adam Lock’s group from the Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University evaluated the response to Mega-Max, a rumen-protected fat supplement containing a 60:30 ratio of C16:0 to C18:1 on cow performance from calving through early lactation. “There’s a long-standing industry dogma that fat shouldn’t be fed


to fresh cows as body fat is also being mobilised to provide energy. However, findings from our previous research indicated this needs to be challenged and was something that needed to be analysed further,” explains Professor Lock. During the study, dairy cows were offered a control ration


with or without supplementation with the Mega-Max calcium salt formulation from calving until 24 days in milk. From days 25-67 in milk each group was further subdivided into control or Mega-Max- supplemented rations. “Throughout the fresh period (days 1-24 in milk), control and fat


supplemented cows maintained similar body condition. However, the fat supplemented group saw notable increases in milk fat percentage and yield, resulting in 3.1 kg more energy corrected milk than the control group,” explains Professor Lock.


FEED COMPOUNDER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 47


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68